Hop-on-hop-off boats and water taxis launched in the Kochi backwaters in November 2014 by Kerala Tourism Infrastructure Limited (KTIL) are hoping for better days as a campaign is on the anvil to step up marketing.
This follows inadequate patronage for the six modern, air conditioned vessels (three each), which were built at a total cost of Rs 2.83 crore under State government’s Mission 676 programme. The daily fare for hop-on boats is Rs 350 per head, while water taxis are used to operate tour packages.
The agency’s MD Anilkumar S. said that apart from backwater cruises, they were being relied on for making television documentaries about Muziris, an ancient port located near Kodungaloor). “A promotional campaign will be held with the help of tour operators and hoteliers, in the days after Easter. Guests can also avail the online booking option,” he said.
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A programme has been charted out to step up marketing of the vessels, for which concurrence of departments concerned is expected. A special package will be rolled out for Kochi-Kumarakom trips on water taxis. Trips to Alappuzha would be chalked out based on demand.
Paucity of trained drivers is another issue since they are to be certified by Mercantile Marine Department and also have to conform to Kerala Inland Vessel Rules.
DTPC interested
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In the meantime, Ernakulam District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) has shot off a letter to KTIL citing the council’s interest in operating the vessel from its boat terminal near Kerala High Court. “The vessels can be promoted through our visitor facilitation centre, which provides information to tourists. Such vessels operated by government agencies can prevent fleecing by private boat operators who have set up unsafe, ramshackle wooden ‘jetties’ all along Marine Drive waterfront,” a senior council official said.